Some words from His Grace, Bishop THOMAS, and Fr. Christopher Shadid on the Translation of St. Raphael’s Relics and the Youth
Photo courtesy of Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America.
The recent translation of Saint Raphael’s relics at the Antiochian Village was a moment of profound spiritual significance, particularly for the youth and campers in attendance. When young people can participate in such events, it helps mold their identities as part of the broader Orthodox Christian community, deepening their relationships with Jesus Christ and one another. OYM had the honor of having reflections from His Grace, Bishop THOMAS of the Diocese of Charleston, Oakland, and the Mid-Atlantic and Fr. Christopher Shadid, Camp Director of the Antiochian Village; both of whom shared powerful insights on how this sacred event touched the hearts of young people and strengthened their connection to the Church.
Firstly, Bishop THOMAS, one of the auxiliary bishops of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America, as well as the Episcopal Liaison of OYM, had the following words to share:
"There are great spiritual benefits for our young people when they are privileged to come into the church in the presence of the Body and Blood of our Lord, most especially when they are offered the opportunity to revere the relics of the saints. It behooves all of us to spend as much time in the Church, where heaven and earth meet, so as to prepare for what we pray will be an eternal residence in the Kingdom of God.
When our young people are allowed the opportunity to look through the windows of heaven, to see glimpses of the Kingdom of God (icons), and embrace the present heavenly citizens, our young people are assisted in envisioning a room for themselves that may very well be prepared for them in heaven by our Lord. For this reason, all of us join together, young and old, and take advantage of every opportunity to participate in the divine services in the church, kiss the icons and relics, and sing heavenly love hymns to them, enjoying our time with them now while praying for a time with them eternally, and asking their intercessions for the purpose of making all this a reality."
Fr. Christopher Shadid aided directly in the planning and execution of the translation, sharing:
“I am deeply grateful for His Eminence’s presence and for the impact this event had on the youth. The children are just as much a part of the Church as anyone else, and witnessing the translation of Saint Raphael’s relics helped them feel that sense of belonging. To us, Saint Raphael is like a member of our family, and being able to venerate his relics made that connection feel so real and tangible.
The kids were fully engaged, reverent, and prayerful throughout the event, understanding the gravity and holiness of their witnessing. It felt like we were caring for a beloved grandfather who is truly part of our community. The presence of his relics made that connection with Heaven so much more real, and I could feel the difference in the spiritual atmosphere. This moment didn’t just change the physical Church—it changed us, leaving a lasting impact on all who were there.”
These reflections from Bishop THOMAS and Fr. Christopher Shadid highlight how such experiences strengthen young people's faith and draw them closer to Christ and His Heavenly kingdom, fortifying their identities as members of the Orthodox Christian family.
Click here to read the original article about the event from the Antiochian Orthodox website.
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